MFA Fiction Admissions Decisions Process

[killalillah]

I have applied to six very competitive programs for an MFA in Fiction. I am trying to keep my hopes low and high at the same time. This application process is like an art project in and of itself, and I hope to use it for what its worth. 

 

Knowing that an MFA in Writing doesn't do much for one professionally, I ask myself: why not throw my writing into the most competitive pools, assuming that by virtue of the program's name and networking possibilities, it will do something in the way of career support. And if I get rejected from all, well, I will still be a writer, but one who must search for a career in other places. Like a masters in Expressive Arts Therapy, for example, while writing in the early mornings and nighttimes. 

 

Reasons to apply to any and all programs, regardless of prestige, would be: commitment to myself as a writer and artist in the public world and development of craft through intensive mentoring and workshopping with serious and talented writers. I will have to find other ways to achieve these goals if I get in nowhere. I have faith that I'll find a way. 

 

I'm expecting the decisions to come through in February through March, judging by the dates of decisions on the results list on this page.

 

If I see one of my schools has already issued some rejections, but I have received no notice of anything, is it safe to assume that my application has made it to round two of some sort? Have I made it to second base? 

 

Why do the rejections and acceptances come at such wildly different times for everybody? Am I in the pile of the 500 good manuscripts at this point, now that they've made the first sort-through of the initial 1,000?

 

I wish I knew more about the rounds, the process, and the way these schools make their decisions. Any information?

 

Thanks!